Leven van Sint Nicolaas / Vie de Saint Nicolas 1866 - 1902

Franciscus Antonius Beersmans created this print, "Leven van Sint Nicolaas", most likely in the Netherlands during the late 19th century. It is a chromolithograph, a color print made using multiple lithographic stones. The print depicts scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas, the figure who, in Dutch culture, is the precursor to Santa Claus. But more than illustrating a simple folk tale, it exemplifies the central role the church played in Dutch society. We see Saint Nicholas depicted as a holy figure whose presence is a part of everyday life. Examining the historical context of this print, one could explore the role of religious institutions and social norms within Dutch society at the time. Old newspapers, church records, and other documents might shed light on the cultural and institutional forces that shaped both the production and the reception of this piece.